Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns
Mike Wilhelm, , Scott Slagle, Jim Leonardis, Jamie Webber and Randy Hare - Photo: Jim Warren
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns
Maria's Music & Dinner
Presidio Yacht Club
Fort Baker, Sommerville Rd, Sausalito, CA - Map
Thursday, February 2, 2012 Dancing After Dinner 7:00pm until 10:00pm
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns at Blue Wing Saloon
January 16, 2012. 6:00 til 9:00 pm
9520 Main St Upper Lake, CA
Kenny Neal to Join Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns at the Blue Wing Monday
Kenny Neal and Mike Wilhelm
The great delta bluesman Kenny Neal will come by the Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant in Upper Lake this Monday night to jam with Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns at the regularly scheduled Blue Wing Monday Blues from 6:30 to 9:00.
Born in New Orleans and raised in Baton Rouge, Kenny Neal began playing the blues guitar and harmonica at a young age, learning the basics from his father, singer and blues harmonica legend Raful Neal. Kenny is known as a modern swamp-blues master and multi-instrumentalist who draws musically from the sizzling sounds of his native Louisiana.
In 2009, Neal was named Monterey Bay Blues Artist of the Year and last year he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He travels widely around the world with his family band and is headed to Florida next week to headline the annual Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise of the Caribbean.
There is no cover as always at the Blue Wing, but dinner reservations are suggested at 275-2233. If the tables are full, Blue Wing patrons are encouraged to come by for a drink and a dance.
Photographs from November 10, 2011, Blue Wing, Performance
Mike Wilhelm, Mighty Mike Schermer, Lara Price & Hired Guns
Photography: Jim Trout - Photo Editing: Mike Wilhelm
Mike Wilhelm and Mike Schermer
Lara Price tapping Mike Wilhelm for solo, front row is Mike Wilhelm, Mike Schermer and Lara Price, back is Scott Slagle, Jamie Webber & Randy Hare
Response on call & response on I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water (the whole audience responded) l - r: Mike Wilhelm, Jamie, Mike, Randy, Jim Leonardis and Lara
A happy audience
Randy solos, l-r Jamie, Randy & Jim.
Mike Schermer & Lara Price
Jimmy the Lion solos, l-r, Mike Schermer, Slammin' Scott Slagle, Jamie Webber, Jim Leonardis, Randy Hare.
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns – LOUIE of the Week
[Update Note: Howdy all, In addition to being LOUIE of the Week, our version of Louie Louie will have the honor of being featured during KJFC's Return of the Invasion of Maximum Louie Louie from 4 'til 11pm this evening. This in honor of International Louie Louie Day. Details by clicking the link above. This program will be net cast. Details here. Happy trails, Mike Wilhelm]
The Louie Report: the blog for all things LOUIE LOUIE
Today is INTERNATIONAL LOUIE LOUIE DAY, and in about 14 hours from now, I'll be on the radio yacking about that song, sharing some tasty LOUIE nuggets from the archives, and unveiling some special recordings that have never been broadcast.
As I try to share a special LOUIE each week on this blog, today I'm honored to unveil a brand new version of the song by my friend Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns.
Louie, Louie - Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns
Born in Los Angeles in 1942, Mike Wilhelm learned blues guitar in his teens from legendary Tennessee bluesman Brownie McGhee and Texas songster Mance Lipscomb. A U. S. Navy veteran, he is perhaps best known as one of the founding members of San Francisco's first psychedelic rock group, the Charlatans (1964-69). He led his own hard rock group, Loose Gravel, from 1969 until 1976 when he joined cult heroes and power pop originators the Flamin' Groovies, playing with them until 1982.
Thank you Mike, for allowing me to among the first to hear this new version of LOUIE LOUIE. Now, it's time to share it with the rest of the world! - ENJOY!
House Of Blue Lights - Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns, live at Earmite Studio, Kelseyville, California
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns
Photograph by Richard Hoyt
Blue Wing Monday Blues: Monday, 22 February 2010, 6:30-9 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: By H. C. Anderson
Mike Wilhelm, Flamin' Groovies Photograph by Anthony Clark - http://www.flamin-groovy.com/
UPPER LAKE – Dubbing the band Hired Guns, Mike Wilhelm has assembled one of the heaviest lineups of veteran musicians ever heard at the Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe's Blue Monday series of dinner dance/concerts. The personnel are Mike "the Charlatan" Wilhelm, guitar/vocal; Barry "the Fish" Melton, guitar/vocal; John "Electric Flag" Beckwith, bass/vocal; Mark "Street Dog" Phillips, drums/vocal; James "Jimmy the Lion" Leonardis, tenor sax; plus special guests.
A virtuoso delta slide guitarist and fingerstyle blues player, Cold War era Navy veteran Mike Wilhelm is known as a founding member of the Charlatans, the first San Francisco ‘60s psychedelic rock group. The Charlatans were invited to play at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, OH in 1997. During the late ‘70s/early ‘80s he was lead guitarist with the cult heroes Flamin' Groovies who are considered by rock historians to be the fathers of Power Pop.
Barry Melton was the fiery lead guitarist in the ‘60s group Country Joe and the Fish who jumped into national prominence with their appearance in the film Woodstock. Since then he has toured under his own name in the U.S. and internationally. Somehow he also found the time to study law by correspondence course, pass the bar and practice law. Melton quips, "I'm an alumnus of Matchbook U." He recently retired as Yolo County Public Defender.
John Beckwith has played with Nick Gravenites and Electric Flag for the last 12 years and is considered by both musicians and critics to be one of the finest blues bassists on the scene today.
A native of London and a Gulf War U. S. Navy veteran, Mark Phillips was drummer with the Grateful Dead cover band Street Dogs as well as being an in-demand Bay Area recording session drummer. He is known as a "one take" player and is more than comfortable in the blues genre. He has played with Wilhelm's Bottle Rock band for more than a year.
Local organic farmer James Leonardis is also a talented jazz tenor saxophonist with a gorgeous tone whose solos always draw appreciative applause. Though he hasn't had a lot of experience playing Rhythm & Blues he seemed to fit right in with Wilhelm's Bottle Rock Blues & Rhythm Band when they last played the Blue Wing.
The band plays the Blue Wing from 6:30 until 9:00 Monday evening. The Blue Wing is located at 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Reservations are recommended for parties of six or more. The telephone number is (707) 275-2233. For further information visit bluewingsaloon.com - For further information about Mike Wilhelm visit flyingsnail.com/Scrapbook/Mike_Wilhelm.html - For bookings call (707) 277-7912.
Friday, April 23, 2010, 8pm
Konocti Vista Casino
2755 Mission Rancheria Road, Lakeport, 95453-9612
Konocti Vista Casino Bar from 8 pm til midnight. Cost: free
Photo by H. C. Anderson. Mike Wilhelm, center flanked by Mark Phillips and Eric Roach
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns
Howdy all...Greetings from scenic Lake County, California.
Please note that our regular bass player John Beckwith is back with us having returned from a pocket tour with Nick Gravenites. Press release follows:
April 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Hired Guns: R&B and Rock 'n' Roll
By Alex Johns
LAKEPORT – Veteran blues/rock guitarist Mike Wilhelm plays Konocti Vista Casino's expanded Point Bar with his band Hired Guns this Friday from 8 pm until midnight. The recently formed band has already proven its ability to keep people boogying on the dance floor with its potent mix of Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll spiced with harmony vocals.
Friday's line-up has Wilhelm on guitar and vocal; John Beckwith, bass; Mark “Street Dog” Phillips, drums and vocal; the smoky vocals of Kathie Kent; plus the honking sound of Jim “Jimmy the Lion” Leonardis on tenor sax.
Konocti Vista Casino is located at 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, Lakeport CA 95453. Further information is can be found at www.konocti-vista-casino.com. For information about Mike Wilhelm go to www.flyingsnail.com/Scrapbook/Mike_Wilhelm.html. For bookings call (707) 277-7912 or email guit_blue@yahoo.com.
Yours in music, Mike Wilhelm
"May the baby Jesus shut your mouth and open your mind." - Family Dog motto.
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns
Sunday, June 13, 2010 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Photograph by C. Spangler
Riviera Hills Restaurant, Lounge and Recreation Club
10200 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville, CA.
August 31, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mike Wilhelm at the Fair
By Wellman Moody
LAKEPORT – Internationally renowned rock, blues and folk guitarist Mike Wilhelm will appear at the Lake County Fair on Friday with his band Hired Guns at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:00 pm on the Gazebo Stage. He will appear as a solo performer on Sunday at 5:00, 7:30 and 9:00 pm on the same stage.
Wilhelm has been playing professionally since 1963 and signed his first recording contract with Kama Sutra Records in 1966. Since then he has recorded for United Artists/Zig Zag, Sire, Fan Club, New Rose and Last Call as well as his own label, 612 Records. He will soon be making new recordings at Earmite in Kelseyville for a projected December release date.
In the '60s heyday of the San Francisco bands he played the Avalon, Fillmore, Winterland and Fillmore West. Wilhelm holds the unusual distinction of playing both of Stanley Sadowsky's Bottom Line showcase clubs having appeared at the Bottom Line, New York City with Flamin' Groovies and as a solo artist at the Bottom Line, Nagoya, Japan. He has also appeared with his '60s band, the Charlatans on the stage of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Other major performance venues range from the Sportpalast, Berlin; the Pavilion, Paris; Paradiso, Amsterdam; Roundhouse, London; Maxwell's, Hoboken; Jirokichi, Yukotopia and On Air West, Tokyo; Honky Tonk and Bar Isn't It?, Kyoto to name but a few.
The Lake County Fair web site is www.lakecountyfair.com
Mike Wilhelm kicks it out at recent Youth Center benefit in Austin Park, Clearlake. Photo by Lorna Sides
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BUSY WEEK FOR WILHELM
By Alex Johns, August 12, 2010
LAKE COUNTY - Guitarist and vocalist Mike Wilhelm will playing in the 2nd Annual Singer Songwriter Festival at the Soper-Reese on August 29, at the Blue Wing August 30 with Hired Guns, at the Lake County Fair September 3, with Hired Guns and again at the fair as a soloist on September 5.
A benefit for Community Radio Station KPFZ 88.1FM, tickets for the Singer Songwriter Festival are $14 general and $11 for KPFZ members. Scheduled to start at 2 pm, the performers are: Clayton Andrade, Michael Barrish, Jazz London, Melissa Margrave, Allen Markowsky, Tom Nixon, Raymond McClane, Melody Staats, Carl Stewart, Mary Swehla, Mike Wilhelm, Jim Williams and Hilary Wilt. Soper-Reese Community Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. For more info:
A smile will get you into the Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe Blue Monday Blues for some rockin' rhythm and blues by Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns. Part of the Tallman Hotel complex, the Blue Wing is located at 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Reservations are recommended for parties of 6 or more. The telephone is (707)275-2233 and the website is:
Wilhelm & Hired Guns appear on the Circle Stage at the Lake County Fair on Friday at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:00 pm. The fairgrounds are at 401 Martin Street, Lakeport. Full information is at:
On Sunday, Wilhelm will play solo on the Lake County Fair Circle Stage at 5:00, 7:30 and 9:00 pm.
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns
welcome their very special guest, guitarist
Mighty Mike Schermer,
at the Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe
on November 29 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm
9520 Main St., Upper Lake, Ca.
Google maps at Mike's MySpace Event Page
November 22, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Two Mikes at Blue Wing Monday
By Wellman Moody
Locals Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns welcome their very special guest, fiery blues guitarist Mighty Mike Schermer at the Blue Wing on Monday, November 29. Schermer is known for his stint with Elvin Bishop's band as well as fronting his own west coast outfit. He has since relocated to Austin, playing with Marcia Ball's band.
When Blue Wing proprietor Bernie Butcher suggested the pairing Wilhelm jumped at the chance to trade licks with Schermer. Filling out the band will be Jim "Jimmy the Lion" Leonardis on tenor sax, Randy Hare on bass and the the always energetic Scott Slagle on drums. Show time is 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
There is never an admission charge at the Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe but reservations are recommended if you want an inside table for this very special chance to catch two virtuoso blues players together for the first time. Telephone 707-275-2233. The address is 9520 Main St., Upper Lake, CA 95485.
Photo Credits: Mike Wilhelm photo by Edward Woods, 2005 - Mike Schermer photo by Bob Hakins, 2008
For further information: www.bluewingsaloon.com, www.mike-wilhelm.com and www.mighty-mike.com.
March 9, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wilhelm's new lineup at the Blue Wing
By Alex Johns
UPPER LAKE - Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns' new five-piece lineup will play the Blue Wing on Monday, March 14, 2011 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Former Hired Guns bassist Randy Hare has switched to guitar with the addition of veteran bassist Jamie Webber. An Arkansas native, Webber grew up in Chicago which has infused his playing with a sensibility uniquely suited to Wilhelm's rootsy blues material. He played the southside Chicago club scene during his teen years and played with the rock and blues guitar virtuoso Lonnie Mack.
The quintet's personnel are Wilhelm and Hare on guitars, Webber on bass with Hired Guns regulars James "Jimmy the Lion" Leonardis on tenor sax and "Slammin'" Scott Slagle on drums.
Part of the historic Tallman Hotel complex, the Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe is located at 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Reservations are recommended for parties of 6 or more. The telephone is 275-2233 and the website is www.BlueWingSaloon.com. Mike Wilhelm's website is www.Mike-Wilhelm.com.
The photo by Bernie Butcher shows Mike Wilhelm & guest Mike Schermer rocking the Blue Wing a few months back.
Yours truly, Mike Wilhelm
Wilhelm at the Wing
Monday, May 2, 6 - 9 pm
Mike Wilhelm GG Park, Speedway Meadow 2005 Chet Helms Tribal Stomp
By Katherine Morgenstern
UPPER LAKE - Fans of Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns should mark their calendars for Monday, May 2, when the popular Lake County combo will play at the Blue Wing Saloon from 6 to 9 pm. There is no admission charge.
Wilhelm has recently welcomed bassist Jamie Webber to the lineup. Webber has a wall full of gold records as souvenirs of a long career and played with and managed Lonnie Mack. Previous Hired Guns bassist Randy Hare is now able to show off his considerable skills on guitar. Leader/guitarist Wilhelm, smooth tenor saxophonist Jim (Jimmy the Lion) Leonardis and drummer Slammin' Scott Slagle round out the group.
Hired Guns performances have generally started with a short solo set by Wilhelm, then the band joins in to play for dancing.
Featuring a full bar, the Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe is open 7 days a week from 11 am to 9 pm and is located at 9520 Main St., Upper Lake, CA 95485.
The management recommends reservations for parties of six or more, call 707-275-2233 or email
bluewingsaloon@tallmanhotel.com. Further information at www.bluewingsaloon.com.
July 20, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wilhelm's Hired Guns at the Wing
By Katherine Morgenstern
UPPER LAKE - Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns play at the Blue Wing on Monday, August 8, from 6 until 9 pm. Personnel are regulars Wilhelm and Randy Hare, guitars; James "Jimmy the Lion" Leonardis, tenor sax; James "Jamie" Webber, bass and Slammin' Scott Slagle, drums.
The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe is located at 9520 Main St., Upper Lake, California. Reservations are recommended for parties of six or more. Accommodations are available at the historic Tallman Hotel adjoining the Blue Wing. Telephone is 707-275-2233. Further information at:
www.BlueWingSaloon.com and www.TallmanHotel.com.
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns at the Lake County Fair
Mike Wilhelm, , Scott Slagle, Jim Leonardis, Jamie Webber and Randy Hare @ the Blue Wing Photo: Jim Warren
Main Stage: Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00 pm
August 30, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns at the Fair Saturday
By Alex Johns
LAKEPORT - International recording artist and Lake County resident Mike Wilhelm will take the stage at the Lake County Fair on Saturday, September 3 with his five-piece band Hired Guns. Performance times are 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 pm.
Asked to estimate the number of dates he has played the 69 year old fingerstyle guitarist replied with a chuckle, "I lost count at around 3500 thirty or forty years ago."
Wilhelm was more forthcoming when asked about well-known names he has played with. "I've shared stages and/or jammed with Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry, the Chambers Brothers, Sons of Champlin, Buddy Guy, The Police, Rockpile, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, Danny Kalb, Steppenwolf, Janis Joplin & Big Brother, Janis & Full Tilt Boogie, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Greg Elmore, John Cipollina, Pete Sears, Mark Naftalin, John Mayall, Nicky Hopkins, Grateful Dead, Country Joe & the Fish, Barry Melton, Nick Gravenites, Troyce Key & JJ Malone, Monica Dupont, Mitch Rider, John Kay, 13th Floor Elevators, the Explosives, the Plimsouls, Peter Case, Iggy Pop, Velvet Underground, Colin Linden, Greg Douglas, Erik Frandsen, Steve Mann, Glen Campbell, Dick Rosmini, Fred Gerlach, Ry Cooder, Taj Majal, John Hammond, Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, Billy Bremner, Romel Amado, dr kyOn, Yotchan...those last three in Japan, two are major stars there. Some of those names are not household words but they are all highly talented musicians, well known amongst their peers. There are so many that I can't bring them all to mind at the moment."
He went on with obvious pride, "Interesting thing, I did an internet search a couple of weeks ago to find out about the availability of my past recordings. I found that every studio recording I've ever been on going back to 1965 is still in print on CDs. I don't think there are many artists who can make that claim. My fan base is worldwide. While I may not have had any big hit records my place as an international recording artist is assured." He says that his royalty statements for the Charlatans, the Flamin' Groovies and solo albums show sales in Albania, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, England, Finland, France, Holland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the United States.
He is effusively enthusiastic about his current band which now includes bassist James Webber. "Jamie toured for years with Lonnie Mack up until Lonnie's retirement. I didn't pick him as a bass player, he picked me. He commutes all the way from Ft. Bragg to rehearse with me and my band which I really appreciate. My former bass man Randy Hare is now on guitar and that is a good thing 'cause he has really got the guitar chops goin' on. He can more than hold his own in any bag be it blues, rock, jazz, fusion...you name it. I am honored to have him in my band. Slammin' Scott Slagle is the equal of any drummer I've played with and I am blessed to have played with some greats. He and Jamie are always in the pocket and his energy, enthusiasm and joy are infectious and manifest at every rehearsal and most especially at the gig. Jim Leonardis, whom I like to call 'Jimmy the Lion', is a very talented jazz tenor sax player who chose to settle in Lake County and I am delighted that he also chooses to play with me.
"My wife and I settled in Lake County first and foremost to be near our grandchildren and secondly because the clean air is better for my lung problems. My wife has been coming up to the lake since the '40s when her family vacationed here. It was a joy to find so many seasoned professional musicians here but I was disappointed to find that they're not really well supported by the locals despite all the lip service to 'buy local'. Most have to go out of the county to find decent paying gigs though I do commend Richard Persons of the Lake County Fair for his continuing support of Lake County musicians."
Asked why he doesn't tour more often, he answered, "My health prevents me from touring extensively and, although I do get out there now and then, I have been forced to turn down some major gigs." Lucky Lake County residents can hear him at their own county fair.
More information is available at lakecountyfair.com and mike-wilhelm.com.
Best regards, Alexandria Johns
Mike Wilhelm - Lake County Fair - September 2011
Mike Wilhelm - Lake County Fair 2011 - photograph by Matt Tadevich
Mike Wilhelm - Lake County Fair 2011 - photograph by Matt Tadevich
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns - Lake County Fair 2011 - photograph by Matt Tadevich
Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns - Lake County Fair 2011 - photograph by Matt Tadevich
2 Mikes at the Blue Wing:
Monday - November 14, 6:00-9pm
Mike Wilhelm and Mike Schermer at previous Blue Wing appearance. Photo courtesy Bernie Butcher
November 10, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mike Wilhelm, Mighty Mike Schermer & Hired Guns add mystery guest
No Longer A Mystery Guest:
Click to view blues vocalist, Lara Price's Page
By Alex Johns, Contributing writer
UPPER LAKE - Blues fans are in for a treat when Mike Wilhelm & Hired Guns welcome their special guest Mighty Mike Schermer to reprise his last performance with the band at the Blue Wing on Monday. It seemed that Wilhelm and Schermer had an instant rapport and easy interplay the first time they were paired enabling these seasoned blues guitar stylists to give a memorable performance which left the dancing audience exhausted but happy.
When Blue Wing proprietor Bernie Butcher learned that Schermer would be touring in northern California in November, he contacted Schermer to find out if he would be available on the 14th which indeed he was. Wilhelm was agreeable as well. Just announced is an appearance by a surprise guest vocalist who has starred at a past Blue Wing Blues Festival. Filling out the band will be Randy Hare, guitar/backup vocal; Slammin' Scott Slagle, drums/backup vocal; Jamie Webber, bass and James "Jimmy the Lion" Leonardis, tenor saxophone.
Show time is 6:00 to 9:00 pm, beginning with a short solo set by Wilhelm. The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe is part of the historic Tallman Hotel complex. Reservations are recommended for parties of 6 or more. Telephone 707-275-2244. For further information go to www.bluewingsaloon.com. Mike Wilhelm's site is mike-wilhelm.com. Mike Schermer's is mighty-mike.com.
